Publications
Articles, publications, books, tools and multimedia features from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest news, analysis, research findings, practitioner guides and reports, all related to the conflict zones and issues that are at the center of the Institute’s work to prevent and reduce violent conflict.
Breaking the Cycle of Electoral Violence in Nigeria
Commissioned by the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention at the United States Institute of Peace, this report offers a brief overview of electoral violence in Nigeria, examines Nigeria’s prospects for a nonviolent political transition in 2011, and concludes with recommendations for a safer, more secure polling season.
Is Nigeria a Hotbed of Islamic Extremism?
Recent incidences of ethno-religious violence in northern Nigeria have alarmed the international community to the point where Nigeria is now perceived as a potential breeding ground for transnational terrorism and violent religious extremism. According to Nigeria expert John Paden, this characterization is false. If anything, Nigeria is a hotbed of Islamic moderation.
Trends in Electoral Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Studies indicate that violence in Africa’s elections affects between 19 and 25 percent of elections. In many countries where electoral violence is a risk, it tends to recur and may consequently lead to an unfavorable view of democratization.
On the Issues: Nigeria
Longstanding religious and political tensions in Nigeria erupted into bloodshed this month, marking the latest in a series of clashes between Muslims and Christians that have claimed the lives of hundreds of people this year. USIP’s David Smock answers some questions related to the recent developments in Nigeria and its stability.
Crisis in the Niger Delta
USIP's David Smock explores the factors underlying and perpetuating the militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In this report, based on an 11-day trip to Nigeria in late August 2009, Smock analyzes the prospects for the amnesty process, and why stronger political processes and economic development could help address the roots of the conflict there.
Blood Oil in the Niger Delta
The trade of stolen oil, or “blood oil,” in Nigeria is fueling a long-running insurgency in the resource-rich Niger Delta region that has claimed many lives. Oil “bunkering” – or theft – has fomented the armed conflict in the region, providing militant groups with funds to purchase weapons, and has increased instability in oil prices on world energy markets. Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua in July 2008 asked the Group of Eight nations for help in dealing with the problem, but no concrete ac...
DVD: The Imam and the Pastor
This documentary, produced by FLT Films, with USIP support, follows the story of Pastor James Wuye and Imam Mohammad Ashafa of Nigeria. Pastor James and Imam Ashafa are former members of competing militias in Nigeria who experienced personal transformations through their friendship and now work cooperatively to head the Inter-Faith Mediation Centre, supported by USIP. This documentary captures Pastor James and Imam Ashafa at work building relationships between Muslim and Christian clergy and ...
Identity, Diveristy, and Constitutionalism in Africa
In this innovative and stimulating volume, Francis Deng outlines a new relationship between governments and societies—a relationship informed by Western concepts but based on traditional African values such as respect for human dignity, equality, and self-rule.
Bringing Peace to the Niger Delta
The conflict in the Niger Delta has posed a fundamental challenge to the country's security for over a decade. What is the nature of the conflict? What steps can the government and international community take to restore peace to the region?
Faith and Politics in Nigeria
As the most populous country in Africa and a major oil producer, Nigeria has long been recognized as the dominant force in West Africa. But its standing within the broader international arena, especially its comparative position within the Muslim world, has been less well understood. Indeed, does Nigeria's influence extend beyond the region? In this concise volume, John N. Paden answers this very question, contending that Nigeria is globally significant for a multitude of reasons, not least o...